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Russia Slashes Military Budget Amid Economic Pressures

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Russia's military budget is projected to fall to $156 billion in 2026, down from over $163 billion.
Even with the cut, it remains far above pre-war levels, nearly quadrupling since 2021.
Economic pressure from lower oil revenues and Western sanctions pushes Russia to raise taxes and cut expenditures.
Ukraine's budget crisis continues, needing $20 billion to cover next year's expenses.

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Story summary

Russia's military budget is projected to fall to $156 billion in 2026, down from over $163 billion.
Even with the cut, it remains far above pre-war levels, nearly quadrupling since 2021.
Economic pressure from lower oil revenues and Western sanctions pushes Russia to raise taxes and cut expenditures.
Ukraine's budget crisis continues, needing $20 billion to cover next year's expenses.